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Saturday, 19 April 2014

Kate in Poppy Print L.K. Bennett for Sunshine State Visit

For day four of the royal tour of Australia, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travelled to the 'Sunshine State' of Queensland for a day of engagements.

The royals were photographed at the airport.

MEDIA-MODE.COM

Their first stop was the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Amberley, located about an hour's drive outside of Brisbane. The visit was an opportunity for the couple, and Prince William especially, to foster an ongoing relationship with the Australian armed forces. This is an area of particular importance to William, Kate and Harry, as it is one of three areas - along with young people and conservation - that their Royal Foundation focuses on supporting.

Only last October, Prince Harry visited the Australian SAS and attended the Australian Naval Fleet Review.

Prince Henry of Wales Official Website

The Royal Australian Air Force's Base Amberley is the country's largest operational base employing over 5,000 uniformed and civilian personnel. There are a variety of other formations on the base such as training colleges and maintenance areas.

There was an inspection of the guard followed by the viewing of some RAAF aircraft and their crews.

Kate sat in the cockpit of an F/A-18F Super Hornet. After William had got in, Kate decided she wanted to give it a go and demonstrated perfect deportment as she clambered in and out.

The Duke and Duchess exchanged banter on who should sit in the front seat. William asked Kate to get in the back, however, she was having none of it. Royal correspondent Richard Palmer noted a big theme of the tour has been Kate's confidence; she's no longer deferring to her husband.

The Cambridges were pleased to receive certificates for their Super Hornet training.

Department of Defence

The Duke and Duchess viewed Amberley's Memorial Garden, where the couple planted a tree.

The couple had the opportunity to pay their respects.

Kate received flowers from a little girl.

Afterwards, William and Kate attended a reception for serving air force personnel, veterans and their families.

Kate has plenty in common with military wives, having spent the first year of married life with William while he served as a RAF Search and Rescue pilot in Wales. Prince William retired from the RAF in 2013 after seven and a half years.

William and Kate posed for an official photo.

The Duke and Duchess then travelled to Brisbane City Centre to attend a reception hosted by the Governor Penelope Wensley and the Premier of Queensland Campbell Newman at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, which will be focused on Queensland's young people, drawn from a variety of walks of life and interests.

Guests enjoyed a feast made from top Queensland produce. Delicacies have been sourced from across the state, from avocado to goat cheese. Prawns, lamb and barramundi are on the canape menu as well as mango and pineapple for dessert. They were presented with a gift of 'Tambo Teddie' - a handcrafted teddy bear dressed as a stockman from the outback town of Tambo - to give to Prince George. They were also given a landscape picture of Brisbane by photographer Ben Messina to remember their visit.

Afterwards, the couple conducted a walkabout. 10,000 people waited to see them and several were treated for heatstroke as they awaited the royals.

Kate received an array of gifts for George.

Too many to carry in fact.

Little Grace Farrelly is lifted up to get a better view of her (hopefully) future-in-laws :)

Rebecca English Twitter Feed

The Duchess chose the very pretty L.K. Bennett Lasa Poppy Print Dress. The £245 snorkel blue frock is a beautiful spring piece and it is knee-length with short sleeves. It's without a doubt one of the brand's most striking pieces this season. It's the first formal high street outfit Kate has worn on this tour and it's always great to see her championing high street labels.

'Let your spring style blossom with the Lasa dress. This silhouette-skimming style comes adorned with bright poppies, arranged in an artful print against a white backdrop.'

The dress also comes in poppy.

L.K. Bennett

A look at the back of the dress.

The gorgeous print is also used in the £155 Lasa Silk Printed Top. It features the graphic, degradé poppy print in striking snorkel blue/white and coral/white. It's a loose smock style with 3/4 length blouson sleeves. It's currently available at L.K. Bennett and John Lewis.

L.K. Bennett

While Kate's dress is currently sold out, do keep an eye on the L.K. Bennett website because it's very likely they'll restock it at some point. The Detroit Dress Kate wore in February is back in stock at the moment in three colourways. The blue version is also available in a selection of sizes at Next. The label's dresses really do work very well for Kate.

The Duchess carried a new clutch today, the Odeion Bag by Australian modern lifestyle brand Oroton (with thanks to Melissa). Founded in 1938, the company has become synonymous with products of the highest quality and became iconic in the sixties and seventies for popularising gold and silver metallic mesh women's accessories. The indigo clutch is made of embossed leather and features a snake chain strap. It originally retailed for €170. Kate's private secretary Rebecca Deacon was seen carrying an Oroton bag earlier this week.

Once again Kate wore her hair half up. It's great to see her embracing this look.

You can watch a video of William and Kate getting into the cockpit here.

Tomorrow promises to be a great day with the inclusion of Prince George:

Their Royal Highnesses will begin the day with at the morning service at St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney City Centre.

Following church, William, Kate and George will visit Taronga Zoo. They will view the bilby enclosure - named after Prince George - and conservation projects. They will see tree kangaroos, Taronga giraffes and birds of prey.

The Royal Party will relocate to Canberra for the remainder of the visit and will stay at Government House.

130 comments:

L.O.V.E. this dress. Smashing. Fresh. Pretty. The floral design nipping in the waistline. Too many floral dresses look as if Scarlet O'Hara pulled apart the chintz sofa as well as the drapes. I also like to see the Duchess wear square necklines as that means we'll be seeing that option on the racks more often and soon. Now that she is also dropping her hemlines similar options will be ours. All win-win.

Gorgeous dress: love it, want it, would go on difficult diet plan to wear it. The shoes are a bit dull but then I'm not a Duchess. We seem to be seeing Kate's spring/summer wardrobe for the UK. It looks to be a stunner.

Charlotte: we are all so fortunate you decided to do this blog. Hope you have a lovely time with your family at Easter. In the States, many people traditionally eat ham. Does Britain have a favorite Easter dinner choice? Lamb?

What a gorgeous dress! The red version would have been very appropriate, although perhaps bordering on costume, for ANZAC day next week - the national memorial day in Australia and NZ of which the poppy is the symbol of remembrance.

Great Fast Post, like always!!I love this dress, it is very pretty!!! I also love it in red, I think I would buy it in both colors(if I had the money!)!! I can't wait to see more pictures:)Hopefully they bring Georgie to the zoo tomorrow!

From the look on her face, I judge Kate agrees with me about that dress! I do like the structure of it, but not the wrinkles or the poppies. I don't much like bright blue anyway, and those flowers are pretty blinding. I wouldn't have liked the red any better. The hair style is very nice. And Prince Harry looks lovely in his whites. I wonder why Kate was scowling - such an uncharacteristic expression for her.

I also saw a picture of Kate and William in a car on the way to the plane. They both had very tight little marginal smiles. I was concerned, given her grieved look, that something might have happened. But apparently she relaxed by the time they reached the base, and her smile reappeared.

Thanks for including a picture of the LK Bennet dress Kate wore in London. I did like that one very much, bright blue and all! I'm trying to let this one grow on me, but. . .

They just seem off today. This tour is a very long one so maybe they both are just pooped out. George also might not be sleeping very well with them being gone during the day.He seems to be a mommies boy, so it must be hard on the little guy for them to go back & have lunch with him then go out again even if he is sleeping. He does wake up and mommy & daddy are not there.

I love this dress. It's really beautiful the pattern looks great on her. I expect we'll be seeing Kate recycle this dress many more times in the future..Whoever said Kate looks better in the summer than winter, I absolutely agree.

Love this look!!!!! Liking the australian tour better:).... Anyone notice that the security guards tie matches her dress.. First time I notice it.... Probably just a coincidence:)

Thanks Charlotte you really amazing... First royal tour where I was a daughter,don't have as much time to search on the internet for information... Your site is an amazing one stop to see and read everything!!!! Thanks again!!! Xoxox

Not sure. Just not a fan at first glance of this dress, though Kate wears it well. Maybe it just isn't photographing well. It looks HUGE on her and she is not, by any stretch of the imagination, big anywhere. I loved the Prabal Gurung dress in the Asian tour, which had a similar cut but was colored differently. This dress just looks ... wide. As to the footwear, I'm guessing Kate chose what is tried and true and comfortable to wear and what she feels sure-footed in. This type of tour, on unknown terrain in many instances, is NOT the time to break in new kicks!! I ADORE this hairstyle. It shows off her pretty face, accents her figure, makes her look taller and keeps her focus on the event and her hosts, instead of the hair flipping.

When I first saw the photos of Kate I had the exact same thought. The dress made her look a little curvier in the hips and fuller in the bust. Maybe it's the way the dress is made or just some bad angle photos.

Thanks, Blair. I thought it was just me. I looked at photos from other sources, the Mail, etc. and it's not just the Getty photos, that particular dress just isn't photographing well. It's tough to make a pattern that focuses on the waist not make one look bulky in the hips and/or bust.Kate is flat as a board and the dress just isn't as flattering on her as some of her other choices.

Lk Bennett dresses are like that. I have UK size 6-8 (6 in LK Bennett), so i am pretty slim, but still i have an hourglass figure, which i don't like to show off. LK Bennett dresses make me look bombshell, which does not suit my personality at all!!! LK Bennett dresses are beautifully tailored, but they do accentuate curves. Not every woman likes that..

I don't like bright coloured shoes personally. They can look cheap but that is just a difference of opinion. Having your shoes dyed to match your outfit being proper dress code is something that I have never heard of and I think is very old fashioned.

I have heard of it. I managed a clothing store in high school and college and we were told to match your hemline with hosiery, shoes or bag if there was any question on what to wear. It was not that long ago but times have changed rapidly so it may not have been conveyed to you.

OK, anonymous, you deserve one old fashioned person on your side. I don't know about dyed to match, but I always match my shoes and bag. And belt if I'm wearing one. I also don't care for bright coloured shoes, although I will confess to owning a pair of red suede heels. I dust them off every once in a while. :)

Oh I luv this! That blue is such a hot color this season. I think it looks fantastic on her! I also love the purse. Kate is quite frugal (compared to some of the other royals from different families, she is quite conservative in her spending when it comes to fashion) and has chosen to wear one of her classic pumps from her shoe collection - but it would have been lovely if she had a matched a shoe or sandal to the dress. Smashing choice!

Her dress is a nice choice for the sunny warm day. Just checked and it's 79F (26C) in Brisbane. Another website has photo with Kate and her female host who is wearing a hat. It made me wonder, at what events can we expect a BRF female to wear hats? Church, weddings, memorial services come to mind. Anyone know if there's official hat protocol for females of the BRF?Sarah in Minneapolis

Thank-you, Summer. I especially enjoyed reading asides about typical British behaviour. One story about two diners complaining about their food to each other. Their waiter comes up, asks if all is all right and they nod and say, "Oh, yes! Everything's just fine." Not the typical American response perhaps.Marg

This is GORGEOUS!!! If I had the money and the figure I would get it in both colors. I do have one slight criticism...the black shoes really don't work. Her nude heels would have looked much better. Or even a pair of blue shoes.

Love her style, elegant, simple and understated. The phrase " less is more" comes to mind with regard to the Duchess. So naturally beautiful too. I read one comment that describes her shoes as being black. It most certainly is not. The colour of the shoes is blue, I would say it is close to a navy but not quite. Thanks for this blog. I count down the minutes every day to see the happenings as the tour progresses. I am not English or European, but I have been a royal watcher all my life and have adopted the British Royals. I am so proud of these two young royals, are doing so well as they get their feet wet, representing the Queen. The tour is a backbreaker, so many assignments in different time zones with not much rest in between; living in a fishbowl does take it toll but they seem up to the task I am sure HRH, the people of England, Princess Diana if she were here, and the Establishment are extremely proud of the Duke and Duchess and little Prince George. Well done and Blessings on you all.

Hello Charlotte, all: This is only my 2nd post, but I've been following and enjoying this blog for a long time. I hope I don't offend anyone, but I do have a couple things I wanted to say. I was looking at the 140 some comments from the last post where TRH's were @ Bear Cottage. I noticed only maybe 15-20 said anything about what a wonderful thing the Duchess did by interacting with the children as she did.It broke my heart seeing those poor children. I can never understand why children have to suffer like that.

I know this is a blog about fashion, so I understand all the comments about it. I guess I just wanted to point out that I believe TRH's are doing such a great and precious thing by spending quality time with children who are, in my humble opinion, so deserving of anything and everything we can do to make their lives happier.

I give the Duchess all the credit in the world. I tried to work at a Center for handicapped children, and I couldn't do it. I couldn't see them through all the tears in my eyes. I'm crying now just thinking of it. Sorry, just needed to get that off my chest. Thank you all for your wonderful comments on the fashion and Thank you Charlotte for the wonderful job you are doing. Glad to hear you are getting some rest. I hope everyone has a very happy Easter. God bless!Jennifer

Lovely post, Jennifer. I think Catherine has a rapport with children that is almost magical. Did you notice the little boy in the wheelchair? If you compare his facial expression in the group picture with his expression in the photo below- where Catherine has moved so.close to him- he seems to be smiling and aware.Marg

Thank you Marg. Yes I did notice the little boy you mentioned. That was a beautiful moment that they caught on film in mho. That is the awesome difference she is making in this world, very moving to witness it. Btw, I also love her look today. Don't get me wrong by my 2 serious posts, I do watch her fashion as well, I just don't comment on it because everything I think, dozen of people have already said lol. Have a good day everyone and tc.Jennifer

Kate does not spend all day with sick children, the staff does. Kate spends 45 minutes, gives a speech and has her picture taken. The staff are amazing people and are deserving of respect for all their sensitive work day in and day out. Kate went on with her day to tour an Easter Show and to run on the beach with lifeguards.

I agree with you whole-heartedly, Jennifer. Thanks for your post. It is truly a wonderful thing the Duchess is doing, and one that not everyone is strong enough to undertake successfully as you pointed out. She is an amazing and admirable young woman.

Put- spending all day with those children on a daily basis is not as much a shock to one's emotions as coming in.for 45 minutes and knowing the limitations of time prevent you from helping as much as you would want .I don't understand how Catherine's visit to bring awareness to the hospice. (thus, the photos) in any way takes recognition away from the staff and don't forget the 80 volunteers who come in briefly and then go on their wayJust read what the staff and families had to say about the Cambridge's visit.

Great post, Jennifer ! She does interact beautifully with sick children and she seems really sincere. But I must also agree with "Putting it in perspective". The Royals from all the countries do such work, they don't stay long and then go back to their homes, which is quite normal of course. The real heroes are the staff and the families who accompagny their loved ones every day. Then again, as says Marg, their visits are very important, especially as they really have an impact on the sick children - or adults - who enjoy meeting them and they bring awareness to the places they highlight. These charitable works by royal european families have been a tradition mostly since the First World War, but also before.

Jenn from NC - I totally agree with your sentiment with regard to the sick children at Bear Cottage. I have three healthy children and it's often very easy to take that fact for granted. I cannot imagine the pain of having to witness your child dying and know that there's nothing you can do about it. I believe in God, but when I see things like this, it's hard not to wonder how He could let something so horrific happen to these babies and children who never did anything to deserve such pain. It's just not fair :-(

I applaud anyone who can do the work that these hospice workers and volunteers do. They are most definitely a special kind of person. I truly believe that they are angels on earth...sent from above, to look over and take care of these babies and help them on their journey's to heaven. Like you...I don't think I could do it without bursting into tears, but I wish I could. Being able to impact the lives of these children and their families in a positive way must be so intensely gratifying. And just the fact that Kate would involve herself in a cause that's so heartbreaking, shows what kind of a person she is. No...she's not there, day in and day out, physically taking care of them. But that's not her job. Her job is to bring awareness to these wonderful organizations so that people will donate and volunteer and so that they can continue to do the extremely important work that they do. And if that's her job, I can honestly say that she's doing it wonderfully.

Also...where in NC do you live? My family and I just moved from NY to NC...just outside of Charlotte. It's so beautiful here...we're loving it! It's so fun to know that there's a fellow Kate fan not too far away!! :-)

I too am deeply moved by the glimpses we see of the children, but I never post about it because it seems almost "condescending" to me to mention it. I feel if I post a comment about one child or another, then I am seeing them as a display or something to pity and sniffle at instead of as actual people; not sure if that makes sense.

KJ, it makes sense to me and I understand your viewpoint. I do think people have to see the real impact of what the children, families and staff are dealing with. Pictures worth more than a thousand words.

Hi Laurie, thank you, I totally agree with everything you said as well! I am in Hendersonville, it is a small town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain. You are about 2 hours away, southeast of me. You should visit the parkway here, it is beautiful! And only a couple of hours drive from Cades Cove TN, a wonderful area to experience the scenery. Welcome to NC! I hope you enjoy it.Jennifer

I think this may be one of her best looks of this tour. I love the way the flowers draw in the waist. She can make almost anything look good but I think L.K. Bennett works really well for her. The pieces that she chooses to wear by L.K. Bennett are modest enough to suit her position but stylish enough they work well with her age.

I just love this dress! And as many times as she wears her hair this way I will mention that it just looks so nice! It's just great to have it out of her face sometimes. The purse is not my favorite with the dress, but it's fine. In all I think this is a great look and it's fun to see her in a pattern again! Cate

Hi from the USA! I've been following this blog since its inception but I've never commented on any of the posts before. I just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoy it since the beginning and look forward to new posts so eagerly and excitedly!! Your thoroughness and excellent attention to every detail of the posts is incredible. I hope you move forward in a career either in blogging or some type of writing/journalism because your fact-finding and expression of detail/information is really remarkable and shouldn't be solely a hobby (unless, of course you want it to be - I just think you have incredible potential to make a living off of your talents as evidenced here). Thanks for a great blog and I look forward to many more posts! All the best of luck to you! :)

This is my first comment and I am so enjoying your blog on the Royal Tour. I am in Sydney and am glued to the TV watching all the proceedings. You are doing an amazing job posting the photos so quickly and I love seeing all of Kate's outfits. You certainly deserve a rest after the tour ends. We are all hoping that Prince George will make an appearance at Taronga Park Zoo tomorrow - that would be the icing on the cake.Once again, thank you for all your hard work....you will need to sleep for a week when the tour is over!Lorraine Exx

Beautiful dress and beautiful Duchess as always. She is a breath of fresh air. Does anyone else noticed, Prince William looks rather gloomy today? And Kate was not as giggly. Tired perhaps? I can't imagine the physical and emotional toll, long tours like this can have on them. And taking a less than a year old baby ( even with a nanny) makes it even harder. I hope they'll get some needed rest this coming Monday. Thanks for a great blog Charlotte!

As a highly sensitive man who admitted he had to struggle to keep himself from weeping (for once started he wouldn't be able to stop) when he and the Duchess met the parents and dying child the same age as George, I'm not surprised. The Duchess too was ready for a big sob. That level of emotion does not dissipate instantly. (There's no app for that.) However, in minutes--the hospice visit going over time--they are off to the beach posing with surfboards and big smiles. As anonymous 7:26 points out, there's an emotional toll from the long hours. Also, the exhaustion that comes with flipping the heart's switch between a dying child and sand 'n' surf like that is something few of us have to do and many of us don't quite understand. This is why it's so laughable when people grouse that Royalty do no work. It's a very special role. William and Catherine are brilliant at it.

I have also noted that the minute someone is not smiling, press and posters note that they are scowling (Catherine), angry (George) gloomy (William) or dour (Catherine's assistant and the nanny). Folks, no one goes around grinning from ear to ear all the time. Remember how tired you were on your wedding day from smiling all day? Well, these two have to keep it up for three weeks while making multiple clothing changes--or bowl down the middle to find something that works for three different sorts of events. Thank goodness they don't have to hear the nattering about this shoe, that shoe or what is and is not suitable for whatever we imagine a Duchess to be.

This is my first dress guess!I saw it on the L.K. Bennet website months ago and thought Kate might go for it...

Also... I don't want to say it means something, but in the past couple of days I couldn't but notice a little bit of belly in place of the usual flat stomach.I mean with the poppy dress and the eyelet one.

You must have incredible vision! LOL! With great respect to you and your comment, I hope you are wrong because I think they are enjoying Prince George and all the 'firsts' of his- I hope they wait and just enjoy being the family they are. Catherine is young, she can have children for the next 10 years if she wants to.

Gorgeous outfit. And another day out and about for the royals. I would be exhausted by now. They are an amazing team. Are they staying in Brisbane over night or going back to Sydney? It's a huge huge day. Australia is a continent, much bigger than a country.

I love this outfit, possibly my favourite thus far. I am also so excited she has chosen an Oroton Clutch. Oroton is without a doubt the premier Australian handbag brand. Their collections are classic yet modern and brilliantly crafted. They also have a great range of baby bags for the elegant mummy and always have a few quite fashion forward pieces. I try to purchase on every year (on sale) and am in raptures that the Duchess and I have the same taste! Charlotte, thank you of another wonderful post.

Hi Charlotte! Might be interesting to do something about this new silhouette she's always wearing these days. Just below the knee. Three quarter length sleeve, almost right up to the neck. I wonder where the pressure to be so conservative comes from? It seems that especially on this tour that things have sort of become, different versions of the same dress. Can't wait to see her do something really different. Anyways, the pattern on this dress was stunning and a nice change.

It's very tiring indeed. Most of what she wears is 3 quarter sleeves. And sometimes it's not even a different version of the same dress. She has several pieces that look nearly identical. The 2 red Catherine Walker coat dresses, the blue LK Bennett that looked like the blue Stella McCartney and the white Zimmerman that looked liked the white Alexander McQueen. I just don't get what the point is of two dresses that look the exact same.

There is no pressure cooker like the Palace, Nicole. If you read the books written about their experiences by the late Princess of Wales and the Duchess of York, you get a very clear picture of how a "breath of fresh air" to the Firm can go stale & stately very fast. At least in the Duchess's case, William protects her because he is determined to shelter Catherine from his mother's fate. But look at the Queen's clothes--vibrant, single-coloured, tube shaped dresses, matching coats, and symbolic nods to the country visited. HM has been working that formula successfully for more than 60 years. Now that influence is apparent in the Duchess's sartorial choices. No great surprise, that. I sometimes wondered that it took so long.

I've noticed that too. Any sleeve that has been short (that we've seen) has been the same - tightly tailored to the elbow. No variation. I don't get it, but it must be what she's comfortable wearing. I do understand the high necks though. Think about all the media/cell phone cameras and all the situations where she finds herself bending down, especially to speak to children. The high neck ensures no one gets pictures down her top.

Just when I think I have a favorite...she wears something like this and makes me change my mind AGAIN!! I can't say enough about how much I love this dress. The print is perfect for her...young and fresh a vibrant. Yet the slim cut (which is my favorite silhouette on Kate), is appropriate and perfect for a young royal on official business. She's consistently hitting it out of the park on this tour. Can't wait to see little Georgie tomorrow!!

I love the blog and appreciate all of the hard work that goes into each post. I'm a loyal reader, but confess, this is my first comment. Does Kate wear hose? And if so, do we know which brands? It appeared that she has them on today and I understand that's royal protocol! Correct?

I tried to buy this exact dress last week, but they were out of stock with my size. Now I'm sure it will be even more popular! If anyone cares, LK Bennett is 20% off on their official site through midnight on Easter. Happy shopping!

It looks like Kate wore either the Aliyah Scarf--Fractured Blossom Dark or the Asha Scarf--Fractured Blossom Dark by Beulah London to a rugby game in Sydney on Saturday, April 19.http://www.beulahlondon.com/accessories/scarves.html

Here are the photos in Daily Mailhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2608353/William-enjoys-beer-alongside-smiling-Kate-Australian-rugby-union-game-Sydney.html

Just a few observations....the shoes do go with the darker shadings of the poppies....Kate has unerring instincts & taste...the shadings weren't obvious until I saw a close-up photo. I HOPE that the good cheer between W&K didn't suffer from Kate's mentioning his bald spot in front of the world! Fatigue and the heat surely could be huge factors! I keep remembering The Queen and Prince Philip's 6-month Commonwealth tour in 1953-54.. ..that took stamina!! Also....it is such a kick to share thoughts , ideas, and admiration for this outstanding blog with people from so very many countries! Good for all of us!

Trivial point but I'd really like to know if Kate wears stockings or pantyhose with her shoes - not the sandals of course. It's hard to tell from the photos. What's the "done thing" in this regard among the royals? Does it depend on what your legs are like or is there some etiquette with this? I saw someone asked this before but I couldn't see an answer.

Hi Charlotte! Although I have been reading all your posts for quite some time, this is my first time commenting. First, I have to tell you how much I appreciate all you do to keep the readers posted - it must be quite a tedious task! I also noticed that William and Catherine did not seem as happy today and was wondering if Kate's comment/joke at William's receding hairline, it may have something to do with this. When I read about her comments, I went "ouch" and although the press did not make a big deal out of it, it may have bothered William because it was made in such a public way. I wonder if other readers may have thought of that.

Dear Charlotte, If you wouId prefer not to publish this, I understand. I just saw the most delightful photo of the Duchess resting her head on William's shoulder at the Waratahs Super Rugby match (here: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/prince-william-and-kate-cap-off-day-4-of-the-royal-tour-at-the-waratahs-super-rugby-clash-with-the-bulls/story-fni0cx12-1226890070147). Would you care to and be allowed to publish it on here? I'm afraid I'm not up-to-date on copyright issues. I'm enjoying your blog so much - it's the first thing I go to online in the mornings to get my W&K&G "fix" for the day! Thanks so much for your excellent coverage. Lee from Canada

I see in the Telegraph that after this exhausting day, Kate and William went to a rugby match in Sydney. Oh to be young and fit again. There's a sweet photo of Kate leaning on Will's shoulder. He has the blue sweater on, I can't really see her clothes but looks sort of wrappy and gray. Maybe that wrap dress she wore on the trip down? It's good for the monarchy that these two are so well received and seem to be genuinely kind and compassionate people. And they appear to be truly happy and companionable together.

I was browsing through the Getty images website and saw pictures of the Cambridges enjoying a game of rugby between Waratahs and Bulls. They both looked relaxed with Kate putting her legs halfway up on the ledge. William had a glass of beer and Kate enjoying a casual chat with another lady! Can't wait to see them at the Eastet Service and at the zoo with George! Happy Easter everyone!

Off topic: Next year it will be 20 years. Remembering 168 people who left their families and went to work or daily activities on a beautiful Spring day and never came home; and those who still struggle daily to live with the scars, both inside and outside.

The wonderful posts on the royal tour are greatly appreciated.I think this dress is lovely. I know one or two people thought both William and Kate were not as smiley as on previous days. Today was rather more serious the main purpose of the visit to the RAAF base was to honour servicemen who had lost their live in Afghanistan and I think Iraq and to meet their families as well as to tour the base and meet other military personnel. They both appeared their usual smiley selves on the walkabout in Brisbane.I have just seen on royal Central and British Royals Twitter some photographs of William and Kate at a rugby match in Sydney after they got back from Brisbane Kate was clearly rather tired as there is one photograph of her resting her head on William's shoulder. There is an article about their presence at the game on the on-line version of the Daily Mail with photographs but not the one of her resting her head on William's shoulder. There is also an article and lovely picture of a private tea party held in the Governor General's house after they had been to the Sydney Opera House. I think this photo has been released by the Governor General.I would think they must both be looking forward to their rest day after tomorrow's church service and the visit to the Zoo I rather suspect they may both have felt rather emotional when they returned to base following the visit to the Hospice and then having to be so lively on the beach immediately afterwards it cannot have been easy.Once again Charlotte all your hard work is greatly appreciated

Kate seems to be able to wear the same outfit throughout the day, which is a good example for many others.The poppy outfit looks fine on Kate and she looks pleased in every picture.But, poor William, the loss of hair. Luckily he accepts it with humor!

This dress was a definite winner! I was reading the blog on my iPad while sitting next to my husband at breakfast. He noticed I was looking at pictures of Kate and said, "Oh, they just played a clip of that on TV. I really like her dress. I like the blue. You'd look good in that." Hubby's seal of approval...and he hasn't been interested in anything she's worn so far.

I see a lot of talk of shoes. Completely color-coordinated shoes and accessories would have looked silly and very aging. Kate used to wear more interesting shoes with bows and straps and the like, but they've become very boring lately. I wish Kate would step out a bit, especially when she's wearing a plain dress, and add more flair with the shoes. Dark magenta or saddle leather colored shoes would have looked far more modern. Throw in an on-trend pointy toe maybe?

Wonder what she'll wear for Easter? Will it be a very "UK" look like what we saw in NZ for church services? Will she change for the zoo?

Oh, and what a voyeuristic treat to see Will and Kate at the rugby. That is exactly how I imagine they are in real life at home.

Thank you so much for the information! I kept trying to leave comments over the last week but never could get it to work. Thank you for all the pictures and information. You're making this fun for all of us. It feels as though we're going on the tour with them thanks to you!

This dress was also recently featured on "the Mindy Project" (a comedy here in the US). Unfortunately I could not find an image online of the title character full-length, but she paired the dress with bright blue (matching) shoes and it was a winning look!

The dress on Mindy Kaling:http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/04/15/mindy-project-recap-max-greenfield/

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